Funny how quickly things change.

Nine years ago, LeBron enters the NBA, and is widely hailed as the Chosen One. The Man Child. On pace to be the best ever, at the ripe old age of 18.

Five years ago, he leads an inept Cleveland team to the Finals, along the way, putting together one of the greatest performances in NBA playoff history against the Pistons. Clutch.

Three years ago, as the favorites, gets pushed around by the Magic and loses way earlier than anticipated. Questions arise.

Two years ago, go up 2-1 against the Celtics then inexplicably disappears for three games as Boston advances. Major concerns, not about exterior game, but about interior strength.

Summer of 2010, leaves for Miami, hatred begins.

One year ago, destroys both the Celtics and the Bulls on the way to the Finals. Hits big shots, carries the Heat. Everyone backs off, because LeBron has figured it out! Watch out Dallas!

Miami goes up 2-1 on the Mavs, and in the most astonishing turn of events in recent memory, LeBron outdoes David Copperfield and completely disappears in the 4th quarter for the rest of the series, averaging 2 points in the final frame. Will LeBron ever live up to his tantalizing potential??? What happened???

And then, last night, after finally hoisting the championship trophy, is he an all time great on the level of Michael Jordan?

Funny how quickly things change.

Is LeBron an all-time great talent? Absolutely. But we want more than that. As average people, we hate to see tremendous, out of this word talent that is never truly realized. We think to ourselves, man, if I had that body, it would be different. If I was that good, it would be different. We are jealous in a sense. So we want the absolute best out of someone who actually has it.

And until recently, we weren’t sure if we wold ever see that consistently out of LeBron. Outside of Shaq, LeBron is the freakiest of physical specimens that we have ever seen, not only in the NBA, but possibly any sport. Yet he has always left us wanting more. We have seen for stretches what he is capable of. But only stretches. And that’s just not good enough for an all time great.

I have been his biggest critic. Why? Because I love and appreciate greatness, in any field. I cheer for greatness. Why? Because it is so truly unique and rare. I don’t like Kobe, but I respect him and secretly cheer for him, because he has been truly great and earned every part of that. I cheered for A-Rod to win in 2009. Not because I really like the guy, but because he is one of the best players of all time. I cheer for Peyton Manning to recover and succeed. There is nothing like watching greatness unfold right before your eyes. It is something you just know in that moment, that this is special. It is so rare.

This is precisely why I have not been a LeBron fan. Too much hype, not enough realized potential. Too many holes in the game, physically, but mostly mentally. Greatness looks the big moment in the eye and chuckles. MJ, Kobe, Brady. Guys that know how big the moment is, live for it, and master it anyway. Too many times, the moment has beaten LeBron. Why??? Scared? Too much fear? No killer instinct? Who knows…

I wasn’t rooting for the Miami Heat to win. I like the Thunder. I’m not a huge fan of the Heat. But do you know what happened when LeBron received the trophy and all of the pressure and angst was now gone from his face? You know what I did?

I smiled.

I felt good for him. Want to know why? He earned it.
I did NOT want LeBron to win the championship while not earning it. Letting Wade do all the heavy lifting. But that’s not what happened this year. He grew up, matured. Said after the game that last year humbled him, made himself look in the mirror. Yes! That’s what we’ve all been waiting for! He understands!

They fought back in almost every series. LeBron came through with a classic Game 6 performance against the Celtics. Wasn’t sure he had it in him anymore. He did.

Now THIS is what we want from our superstars. Living up to potential. Not settling for jumpshots when you can get to the rim ANY TIME YOU WANT. Making big free throws. Leading your team. Not making excuses. Living up to the hype. Doing whatever is necessary.

THIS is what greatness is all about.

THIS is what superstars are made of.

THIS is exactly what we say we would do if we were them.

Congrats LeBron, you earned not only a title, but respect.

Now how many more you got…

bt